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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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Flowers lie at the foot of the Ernie Pyle Monument after being placed during a memorial ceremony April 19, on Iejima, Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa citizens, service members, veterans, Boy Scouts, and families gathered to honor the 70th anniversary of American war correspondent Ernest T. “Ernie”Pyle’s death at the sight where he was killed in 1945 during the battle of Okinawa. Pyle was a Pulitzer Prize winner and served as a war correspondent from 1935 through most of World War II, famous for his columns in the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain. Pyle volunteered to deploy with the men of the Army’s 77th Infantry Division to report first-hand during the battle of Okinawa.

Flowers lie at the foot of the Ernie Pyle Monument after being placed during a memorial ceremony April 19, on Iejima, Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa citizens, service members, veterans, Boy Scouts, and families gathered to honor the 70th anniversary of American war correspondent Ernest T. “Ernie”Pyle’s death at the sight where he was killed in 1945 during the battle of Okinawa. Pyle was a Pulitzer Prize winner and served as a war correspondent from 1935 through most of World War II, famous for his columns in the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain. Pyle volunteered to deploy with the men of the Army’s 77th Infantry Division to report first-hand during the battle of Okinawa.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brittany A. James

Marines with Headquarters & Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan and veterans with the American Legion Post 28, Okinawa, pose in front of the Ernie Pyle Monument after placing floral wreaths on the epitaph April 19, on Iejima, Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa citizens, service members, veterans, Boy Scouts, and families gathered to honor of the 70th anniversary of American war correspondent Ernest T. “Ernie” Pyle’s death at the sight where he was killed in 1945 during the battle of Okinawa. Pyle was a Pulitzer Prize winner and served as a correspondent from 1935 through most of World War II, famous for his columns in the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain. Pyle volunteered to deploy with the men of the Army’s 77th Infantry Division to report first-hand during the battle of Okinawa.

Marines with Headquarters & Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan and veterans with the American Legion Post 28, Okinawa, pose in front of the Ernie Pyle Monument after placing floral wreaths on the epitaph April 19, on Iejima, Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa citizens, service members, veterans, Boy Scouts, and families gathered to honor of the 70th anniversary of American war correspondent Ernest T. “Ernie” Pyle’s death at the sight where he was killed in 1945 during the battle of Okinawa. Pyle was a Pulitzer Prize winner and served as a correspondent from 1935 through most of World War II, famous for his columns in the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain. Pyle volunteered to deploy with the men of the Army’s 77th Infantry Division to report first-hand during the battle of Okinawa.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brittany A. James

Gunnery Sgt. Maurice Williams teaches children how to dye eggs April 4 during a United Service Organization Easter celebration on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. The camp opened its gates to Henoko and Nago City residents to introduce them to Easter traditions that children in the U.S. participate in during the holiday. The Marines spent the day guiding the children through different Easter activities, such as egg dyeing, making rabbit masks and an egg hunt. Williams is a native of Killeen, Texas, and the operations chief with 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Gunnery Sgt. Maurice Williams teaches children how to dye eggs April 4 during a United Service Organization Easter celebration on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. The camp opened its gates to Henoko and Nago City residents to introduce them to Easter traditions that children in the U.S. participate in during the holiday. The Marines spent the day guiding the children through different Easter activities, such as egg dyeing, making rabbit masks and an egg hunt. Williams is a native of Killeen, Texas, and the operations chief with 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brittany A. James

Cpl. Jude Exantus, right smiles with a service member's daughter on top of an Assault Amphibious Vehicle April 4 during a United Service Organization Easter celebration on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa children and service members’ children came together to participate in Easter activities, such as egg dyeing, making rabbit masks and an egg hunt. The Camp Schwab USO plans to organize this Easter celebration annually. Exantus is a native of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and AAV crew chief with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Cpl. Jude Exantus, right smiles with a service member's daughter on top of an Assault Amphibious Vehicle April 4 during a United Service Organization Easter celebration on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa children and service members’ children came together to participate in Easter activities, such as egg dyeing, making rabbit masks and an egg hunt. The Camp Schwab USO plans to organize this Easter celebration annually. Exantus is a native of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and AAV crew chief with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brittany A. James

Sgt. Shelly Janecke, a self-made artist from Eaton Rapids, Michigan, redesigns the Headquarters and Service Company logo March 26 at Camp Courtney. She shows her passion of art through drawing, painting and designing tattoos. Janecke is the III Marine Expeditionary Force G-4 Materials Readiness Branch ammunition noncommissioned officer in charge with III MEF Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Robert D. Williams Jr.

Gen. Joseph Dunford, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks with Marines on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, March 26. Dunford traveled to the Marine bases on Okinawa from March 24 to the 26 to talk with Marines about his expectations for the Marines and the Corps. “My priorities are to make sure we have the warfighting capabilities we need, to address the maturity of our leaders and to make sure they have the training, education and the experience that they need to be successful on the battlefield,” said Dunford.

Gen. Joseph Dunford, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks with Marines on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, March 26. Dunford traveled to the Marine bases on Okinawa from March 24 to the 26 to talk with Marines about his expectations for the Marines and the Corps. “My priorities are to make sure we have the warfighting capabilities we need, to address the maturity of our leaders and to make sure they have the training, education and the experience that they need to be successful on the battlefield,” said Dunford.

Photo by Cpl. Thor Larson

Staff Sgt. Peter Burchfield, from Boston, Massachusetts, sights in on a target with a AN/PED-1 Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder Jan. 16 during Exercise Lava Viper 15.1-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Hawaii. After sighting in, the device emits a laser which marks simulated hostile threats for air assets. The laser provides Marine pilots with the exact location of targets and suspected threats without putting the operator in harm’s way. Burchfield is a joint terminal attack controller with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Staff Sgt. Peter Burchfield, from Boston, Massachusetts, sights in on a target with a AN/PED-1 Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder Jan. 16 during Exercise Lava Viper 15.1-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Hawaii. After sighting in, the device emits a laser which marks simulated hostile threats for air assets. The laser provides Marine pilots with the exact location of targets and suspected threats without putting the operator in harm’s way. Burchfield is a joint terminal attack controller with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle

Petty Officer 3rd Class Hayes Barber, from New Orleans, Louisiana, signals where simulated casualties lie Jan. 19 during a mass casualty drill as part of Lava Viper 15.1-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Hawaii. The purpose of the drill was to speed up future recoveries of casualties. Barber is a hospital corpsman with Marine Wing Support Detachment 24, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The helicopters are with Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron 463, MAG-24.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Hayes Barber, from New Orleans, Louisiana, signals where simulated casualties lie Jan. 19 during a mass casualty drill as part of Lava Viper 15.1-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Hawaii. The purpose of the drill was to speed up future recoveries of casualties. Barber is a hospital corpsman with Marine Wing Support Detachment 24, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The helicopters are with Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron 463, MAG-24.

Photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members move a mock wounded comrade to safety Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF members are with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members move a mock wounded comrade to safety Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF members are with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army.

Photo by Cpl. Drew Tech

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members provide forward security Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF members are with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members provide forward security Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF members are with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army.

Photo by Cpl. Drew Tech

Harlem Globetrotters forward, Eric ‘Hackshaw’ Hall, right, dances with children Dec. 9 at the Foster Field House on Camp Foster. The Harlem Globetrotters displayed their basketball artistry to service members and their families. The Harlem Globetrotters are more than a basketball show; they incorporate high flying acrobat dunks with comedic skits to provide enjoyment for all ages. The event was a part of the Harlem Globetrotters 13th military tour, in which the team travels overseas to U.S. military installations to provide memories of home during the holidays. The game was presented by Navy Entertainment, Leatherneck Tour and Marine Corps Community Services.

Harlem Globetrotters forward, Eric ‘Hackshaw’ Hall, right, dances with children Dec. 9 at the Foster Field House on Camp Foster. The Harlem Globetrotters displayed their basketball artistry to service members and their families. The Harlem Globetrotters are more than a basketball show; they incorporate high flying acrobat dunks with comedic skits to provide enjoyment for all ages. The event was a part of the Harlem Globetrotters 13th military tour, in which the team travels overseas to U.S. military installations to provide memories of home during the holidays. The game was presented by Navy Entertainment, Leatherneck Tour and Marine Corps Community Services.

Photo by Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr.

Harlem Globetrotters guard Saul ‘Flip’ White, left, displays his ball handling wizardry to the crowd Dec. 9 at The Foster Field House on Camp Foster. The Harlem Globetrotters displayed their basketball artistry to service members and their families in a showdown with their rivals, the Washington Generals. The event was a part of the Harlem Globetrotters 13th military tour, in which the team travels overseas to U.S. military installations to provide memories of home during the holidays. The game was presented by Navy Entertainment, Leatherneck Tour and Marine Corps Community Services.

Harlem Globetrotters guard Saul ‘Flip’ White, left, displays his ball handling wizardry to the crowd Dec. 9 at The Foster Field House on Camp Foster. The Harlem Globetrotters displayed their basketball artistry to service members and their families in a showdown with their rivals, the Washington Generals. The event was a part of the Harlem Globetrotters 13th military tour, in which the team travels overseas to U.S. military installations to provide memories of home during the holidays. The game was presented by Navy Entertainment, Leatherneck Tour and Marine Corps Community Services.

Photo by Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr.

Justin Constantine, from Arlington, Virginia, gives a presentation Dec. 4 to Marines at Camp Kinser about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and emotional wellness in the Marine Corps. Constantine was wounded in Iraq in 2006. After a drastic recovery from PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and traumatic brain injury he now shares his story to people across the world. Constantine is a retired Marine lieutenant colonel and is now an inspirational speaker dedicated to reaching out to those facing similar problems.

Justin Constantine, from Arlington, Virginia, gives a presentation Dec. 4 to Marines at Camp Kinser about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and emotional wellness in the Marine Corps. Constantine was wounded in Iraq in 2006. After a drastic recovery from PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and traumatic brain injury he now shares his story to people across the world. Constantine is a retired Marine lieutenant colonel and is now an inspirational speaker dedicated to reaching out to those facing similar problems.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Isaac Ibarra

Marines and sailors gather to discuss their views on diversity Dec. 2 during Diversity Observance Day on Camp Hansen. The event participants were chosen based on their different backgrounds, and discussed what diversity meant to them. The event marked the first Diversity Observance Day held at III Marine Expeditionary Force, and it is planned to be an annual event, according to Master Gunnery Sgt. Rafika O. Vann, from Brooklyn, New York. Vann is the III MEF Equal Opportunity Adviser.

Marines and sailors gather to discuss their views on diversity Dec. 2 during Diversity Observance Day on Camp Hansen. The event participants were chosen based on their different backgrounds, and discussed what diversity meant to them. The event marked the first Diversity Observance Day held at III Marine Expeditionary Force, and it is planned to be an annual event, according to Master Gunnery Sgt. Rafika O. Vann, from Brooklyn, New York. Vann is the III MEF Equal Opportunity Adviser.

Photo by Cpl. Thor Larson

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Ryan T. Watson, right, receives a bouquet of flowers from a student Dec. 5 at Chinzei High School in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Marines participating in Forest Light 15-1 took a day off from training to visit local high schools to exchange culture lessons with the student. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements, and improve individual and unit-level skills in a bilateral training environment. Watson, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is an infantry unit leader with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Ryan T. Watson, right, receives a bouquet of flowers from a student Dec. 5 at Chinzei High School in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Marines participating in Forest Light 15-1 took a day off from training to visit local high schools to exchange culture lessons with the student. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements, and improve individual and unit-level skills in a bilateral training environment. Watson, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is an infantry unit leader with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Photo by Cpl. Drew Tech

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Ryan T. Watson speaks to students Dec. 5 at Chinzei High School in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Marines participating in Forest Light 15-1 took a day off from training to visit local high schools to exchange culture lessons with the students. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements, and improve individual and unit-level skills in a bilateral training environment. Watson, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is an infantry unit leader with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Ryan T. Watson speaks to students Dec. 5 at Chinzei High School in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Marines participating in Forest Light 15-1 took a day off from training to visit local high schools to exchange culture lessons with the students. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements, and improve individual and unit-level skills in a bilateral training environment. Watson, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is an infantry unit leader with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Photo by Cpl. Drew Tech

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jonas G. Dewald demonstrates the effectiveness of a ghillie suit Dec. 2 in the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. The concealment training was part of Forest Light 15-1, a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Dewald, from Wilson, North Carolina, is a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, under the unit deployment program.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jonas G. Dewald demonstrates the effectiveness of a ghillie suit Dec. 2 in the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. The concealment training was part of Forest Light 15-1, a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Dewald, from Wilson, North Carolina, is a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, under the unit deployment program.

Photo by Cpl. Drew Tech

Cpl. Nicholas Majerus, from Mazeppa, Minn., prepares to fast-rope out of an MV-22B Osprey with his military working dog, Iggi, Oct. 27 at Camp Hansen. “I think our bond has gotten a lot stronger,” said Majerus. “I’ve been with (Iggi) for a long time so she trusts me with everything, and she knows I would never put her in any kind of danger.” Majerus is a working dog handler. He and Iggi are with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released)

Cpl. Nicholas Majerus, from Mazeppa, Minn., prepares to fast-rope out of an MV-22B Osprey with his military working dog, Iggi, Oct. 27 at Camp Hansen. “I think our bond has gotten a lot stronger,” said Majerus. “I’ve been with (Iggi) for a long time so she trusts me with everything, and she knows I would never put her in any kind of danger.” Majerus is a working dog handler. He and Iggi are with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Mains

Cpl. Caleb Owens, from Melbourne, Iowa, prepares to fast-rope out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with his military working dog, Dixie, Oct. 27 at Camp Hansen. After familiarizing themselves with fast-roping techniques by executing them with no gear, the Marines worked their way up to wearing full gear and then with their military working dogs as well. Owens is a military policeman, and a working dog handler. He and Dixie are with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released)

Cpl. Caleb Owens, from Melbourne, Iowa, prepares to fast-rope out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with his military working dog, Dixie, Oct. 27 at Camp Hansen. After familiarizing themselves with fast-roping techniques by executing them with no gear, the Marines worked their way up to wearing full gear and then with their military working dogs as well. Owens is a military policeman, and a working dog handler. He and Dixie are with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Mains

Lance Cpl. David Hernandez, from San Francisco, fast-ropes out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with his military working dog, Benny, Oct. 27 at Camp Hansen. This was the first time the handlers have fast-roped out of an aircraft with their dogs. The Marines are planning to use this capability for future exercises. The Marines and dogs are with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, III MHG. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released)

Lance Cpl. David Hernandez, from San Francisco, fast-ropes out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with his military working dog, Benny, Oct. 27 at Camp Hansen. This was the first time the handlers have fast-roped out of an aircraft with their dogs. The Marines are planning to use this capability for future exercises. The Marines and dogs are with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, III MHG. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Mains

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III Marine Expeditionary Force